"Behold, children are a heritage of God. The fruit of the womb is his REWARD." Psalm 127:3
How is everything?
It's been very REWARDING!
We've had...
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| Grandma's strawberry cupcakes! |
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| fun with TOYS! |
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| lots of giggles! |
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| many moments of happiness! |
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| new experiences and exciting sounds! |
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| very comfortable days! |
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| time to learn to share! |
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| tons of smiles! |
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| freedom! |
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| relaxation! |
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| wonderful breezes! |
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| road trips! |
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| adventures! |
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| peaceful rests! |
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| family gatherings! |
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| thoughtful gifts! |
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| happy tears shed! |
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| sweet dreams! |
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| attention! |
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| huge hugs! |
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| sloppy kisses! |
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| pure JOY! |
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| lots of snuggles! |
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| tender tickles! |
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| caring touches! |
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| handsome haircuts! |
We've also had a lot of diapers to change and noses to wipe. It's all worth it - especially when Sonya LAUGHS uncontrollably during the whole process!
Meal times are VERY busy. They both LOVE food. As of a week ago Dusty weighed 24 pounds so he gained 4 pounds in 12 days. It brought the nurse to tears. Not quite sure what Sonya weighs but let's just say that she is very disappointed when meal times are over!
Sonya crawls all over the place - even up stairs and onto coffee tables. YIKES! Dusty WALKED ON HIS OWN the day after we got home from the hospital. It was awesome to see! Sonya is not too far behind she just needs better braces for her ankles.
Sonya is learning how to play with toys. It is fun to watch her discover and learn cause and effect. Dusty is not interested in playing with toys yet. He just likes to hold them and put them in his mouth!
They are not talking yet but Dusty loves to babble and they both love to laugh. We are trying to learn what each cue means. We are hoping that signing with them will help us communicate easier.
The children got to meet all of Daddy's co-workers and students. I wish I had my camera with me! It was an outpouring of LOVE!
Dusty and Sonya are WONDERFUL travelers! We went on a road trip to Indiana over Memorial Day Weekend for our niece's graduation from high school. We had a fantastic time being together with family and friends. Sonya and Dusty loved all the attention. On the way home a favorite stop was taken at the "golden arches." Happy squeals and swinging legs were sure signs that it was absolutely a Happy Meal!
We are all adjusting VERY WELL and are praising GOD that Dusty and Sonya are HOME! We want to THANK all of you for your loving prayers, thoughtful words, wonderful meals, helpful hands and very generous donations to Reece's Rainbow! You are part of something BIG! We appreciate all of you - so we put ALL of your names into a bag...
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| Johnny closed his eyes and pulled out a name for the iPhone... |
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| Thank you and congratulations! |
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| Then Johnny closed his eyes again and chose a name for the iPad 2... |
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| Thank you and congratulations! |
John and I were Sonya and Dusty's very FIRST visitors at the orphanage! Dusty was in the orphanage 6+ years and Sonya was there 5 1/2 years and NOBODY ever called or wrote or visited them. Thankfully God was with them and people were praying for a
forever family to find them. Now that they are home with their
forever family... they have had MANY visitors! They have met family members and friends who continue to pray for them. People have written letters & postcards, e-mailed, blogged and posted comments on facebook. People have made "Welcome Home" signs. People have called asking about them. People have sent gifts and brought meals. God is so good! If our paths have not crossed yet - we are praying they will cross soon because we just can't wait for YOU to meet our little ones in person! Thanks again for sharing in our journey and helping to bring Sonya and Dusty HOME. We will continue to share our story and update you on how our arrows are doing!
Thank you for adding to our family. Papa said that
ReplyDeleteSweet happy tears down here!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for inspiring me. Your story has meant a lot to me and I was very anxious to read the next post everytime one came out. Congratulations on your journey and I am available to help in any way possible. Thank you again.
ReplyDeletePS-I owe Johnny! :-)
Its been such a joy following your journey to Sonya & Dusty. I hope to meet them in person someday too.
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for several months. I am so happy these beautiful children are home with you now. To finally see the smile on Dusty's face is priceless! God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI didn't win a prize, but the real prize is seeing those beautiful smiles on the faces of your children! So thankful they are yours - and you are theirs.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Susan in Ky
Cousin to 2 from U.
I love Dusty's smiles! and Sonya is such a beautiful princess! Jonny and Carolyn are so sweet with them, you must be so proud of all your kids! Thank you for updating, I love reading about your family!
ReplyDeleteSonya looks SO concerned about what you are doing to her brother (the haircut). :) Sympahthy. So sweet. I loved the pictures. What blessings all 4 of your sweeties are!
ReplyDeleteNow THAT made me happy. Plus Dusty's little old school shoes at his face made me smile as did many of your pics. We need these uplifting reminders in the midst of, well life. Thanks for the smile inducing post.
ReplyDeleteAmy, these pictures are beautiful. I am Gabe's grandmother, your thoughts & prayers mean so much to us during this difficult time, I worry about Gabe being fed & hugged enough. I long to hold him & wisper sweet nothings in his ears. I know how scared he must be to turn his little life upside down, where is my mama & papa? God has a reason for this bump in the road & He will reveal it soon, very soon. You take care of that special family. You & your husband HAVE to be very special.................
ReplyDelete